Experts at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt have become increasingly concerned with the incidence of suicide among teenagers after seeing a higher occurrence than normal over the past several weeks.

In Tennessee, suicide is the second-leading cause of death of people ages 10-19 and the third leading cause of death for persons between 10-24 years, according to the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network.

One in seven teenagers in Tennessee have considered suicide, and one in 11 high school students attempted suicide from 2012 to 2013. Of these attempts, 48 percent required medical attention for serious injuries.

“The loss of lives by suicide is tragic and should be considered a public health crisis,” said Jennifer Barut, MSN, RN-BC, director of Clinical Education and Professional Practice for Vanderbilt Behavioral Health. “With public awareness, and the right interventions and supports in place, deaths by suicide are completely preventable. It is an appalling reality that suicide deaths in Tennessee are higher than national averages, and that state rates continue to trend upward.”

“Even one child lost to suicide is one too many,” Barut said. “These statistics underscore the need for early identification of those at risk so they can get the life-saving help they need. Recognition of early warning signs that indicate someone is suicidal can help.”

Warning Signs:

Talking about suicide, expressing thought about ending one’s life

Withdrawing from friends and family

Changes in behavior at home or school, especially changes in the quality of schoolwork or lower grades

Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

Rebellious or ‘acting-out’ behaviors

Alcohol or substance abuse

Previous attempts or experiencing the loss of a friend/family member by suicide increases risk.

Having suicidal thoughts is not a ‘normal’ part of adolescence. If a teenager that you know has any of these warning signs, and especially if he or she has talked about suicide, take it seriously and reach out for help.